Hydrotherapy

Aquatic Physiotherapy, otherwise known as hydrotherapy, allows our Canberra clients to exercise in warm water under the supervision of a physiotherapist, where the physical properties of water are used to achieve specific therapeutic goals.

The warmth of the hydrotherapy pool and the hydrostatic pressure at various depths can reduce swelling, improve blood circulation, decrease pain, reduce muscle spasm and tightness, and induce muscle relaxation. The buoyancy of water can reduce the effects of gravity and allow clients to exercise with freedom that they would otherwise not enjoy on land. The supportive properties of water can assist with stability and balance. The resistance of water, increased if needed with the use of specific aides such as paddles and floats, can improve muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness.

At Sport & Spinal Physiotherapy, our aquatic physios work with clients from Gungahlin, Canberra City, and the wider Canberra community on a wide range of injuries and conditions including:

Neck pain

Back pain

Headaches and migraines

Disc injures

Whiplash and car accidents

Sprains and strains

Shoulder pain

Knee pain

Workplace injuries

Pre and post-op rehab

Arthritis joint pain

Foot and ankle pain

Osteoporosis

Fibromyalgia

Joint replacements

Sports injuries

Trauma injuries

Decreased mobility and fitness

What to expect?

Clients that have not attended Sport & Spinal Physiotherapy previously will first need to have a land-based initial assessment with one of our physios to determine an accurate diagnosis and develop a tailored hydrotherapy program. Current clients of the clinic can have their program organised by their current treating therapist and the information will be relayed to the physiotherapist responsible for aquatic physiotherapy treatment.

All programs are written down for all clients to go through their exercises at their own pace. Each exercise is monitored by the aquatic physiotherapist for correct technique and updated when required. Often land-based physiotherapy treatment or a gym-based rehabilitation program can follow an aquatic physiotherapy program to return to full function.

At the end of your hydrotherapy sessions, we can formulate an ongoing maintenance program to suit your needs with an option of intermittent assessments and program upgrades to maintain progress.

Those with a fear of water need not worry. All exercises are performed at a depth where you can comfortably stand without getting your head wet. You will have the close supervision of your physiotherapist at all times and you can place yourself right at the water’s edge with the support of a rail if need be.

When and where?

To secure your place in a class you will need to book at least the day before at the practice. Aquatic physiotherapy sessions are held at the hydrotherapy pool at Gungahlin Leisure Centre (71 The Valley Avenue, Gungahlin, ACT, 2912). Classes are held on Wednesday and Fridays from 7.40am to 8.40am. Each session can last up to 45-60 minutes depending on your level. If you are at a more advanced level you are welcome to stay at the pool at the Centre after the class, in discussion with your physiotherapist. The pool has disability access with a beach landing meaning a wheelchair can be pushed all the way into the pool – no steps or ladders. The pool is heated to 31 degrees Celcius. You must be at the pool dressed in your swimmers and ready to enter the pool with the physio at your appointed time. Arrive early if you require time to get changed and prepare yourself to enter the pool. Do not enter the pool until your physiotherapist arrives.

What to bring?

Your swimming costumes, a towel, a change of clothes, a drink bottle or anything else you require. There are change room facilities to shower at the pool so you may also wish to bring your toiletries.

Payment

The cost for the session includes your pool entry so you do not need to pay at the pool. Upon entering the pool inform the staff that you are participating in the Sport & Spinal Physio hydrotherapy session.

All private clients will need to settle their accounts within 7 days or otherwise an account keeping fee may apply. Simply visit the clinic in person to pay or call the clinic and you can pay by credit card over the phone. We can invoice directly all approved insurance and DVA clients. See Billing Policy for more information.

If you wish to claim your private health fund rebate through our HICAPS terminal, in most cases you will need to visit and pay at the clinic on the same day as your hydrotherapy appointment, or otherwise you may be required to claim directly from the health fund.

To secure your place in a class you will need to book at least the day before at the practice.